The American Jewish University’s new online doctorate program offers training in Jewish communal leadership. (photo courtesy of American Jewish University)

American Jewish University has launched a new doctoral program in Jewish education and communal leadership. The groundbreaking program is the first of its kind, offering advanced training in Jewish communal leadership to equip experienced professionals with the skills and vision needed to lead transformative change in Jewish education.

Housed within AJU’s Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership, the program empowers professionals in education, nonprofits, synagogues and other sectors to drive transformative change and innovation through evidence-based practices, impactful leadership and bold vision. The three-year, cohort-based program is delivered online with in-person community-building components. Graduates will emerge with the ability to drive organizational change and produce research that improves Jewish education and communal practice.

“This is more than a degree, it’s a movement,” AJU president Jay Sanderson said. “We are creating the next generation of Jewish leaders who will shape the future of our institutions, our values and our communities. The launch of this new doctoral program is a signal of commitment to advancing the Jewish future through bold, rigorous and mission-driven academic leadership.”

The new degree offering is among a growing number of programs by the Masor School, which has been reimagined over the past several years. Once serving a small cohort of in-person learners, the Masor School now enrolls hundreds of students annually across bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. In the 2024-25 academic year, the Masor School enrolled more than 285 students, contributing to AJU’s total academic enrollment of more than 530 learners.

“The EdD in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership is rooted in the belief that Jewish professionals deserve world-class, accessible training that helps them lead with moral clarity and strategic depth,” said Dr. Bruce Powell, dean of the Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership. “This program arms students with the tools to assess and elevate their organizations, apply Jewish values in real-world contexts and create meaningful, lasting change.”

For information, visit aju.edu/masor.